The San Francisco 49ers are on the hunt for edge-rushing talent, but if you're hoping to see Joey Bosa team up with his brother Nick in the Bay Area, you might want to hold off. General Manager John Lynch recently addressed the buzz at the NFL Owner's Meeting in Phoenix, suggesting that Joey Bosa's price tag might be a bit steep for the Niners.
While the dream of a Bosa brothers reunion seems distant, the 49ers have other avenues to explore in free agency. Let’s dive into three veteran options who could bolster San Francisco’s defensive line.
Leonard Floyd
Remember Leonard Floyd? The 49ers parted ways with him last offseason in a bid to save some cash and inject youth into their defense.
The Atlanta Falcons quickly snapped him up, where he reunited with Raheem Morris, who coached him during his Rams days. Now that Morris is the Niners' defensive coordinator, a reunion could be on the horizon.
Floyd, at 33, notched 3.5 sacks with Atlanta last season. While he may not be the force he was with the Rams, his veteran presence could provide much-needed depth following Bryce Huff's retirement.
Cameron Jordan
Cameron Jordan is another intriguing possibility. The eight-time Pro Bowler has been a stalwart for the New Orleans Saints throughout his career. If Jordan is eyeing a championship before hanging up his cleats, San Francisco might just be the contender he’s looking for.
At nearly 37, Jordan still managed to rack up 10.5 sacks last season, proving he’s far from finished. His experience and leadership could be invaluable for the 49ers’ defensive front.
Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney, the former first overall pick, has had a solid, if not spectacular, career. Most recently with the Dallas Cowboys, Clowney recorded 8.5 sacks last season. With Matt Eberflus, Dallas’ former defensive coordinator, now on San Francisco’s coaching staff, there’s a connection that could pave the way for Clowney to join the Niners.
While the draft remains an option, the 49ers’ recent track record with selecting edge rushers hasn’t been stellar since Nick Bosa in 2019. Bringing in a seasoned veteran might just be the savvy move they need to bolster their pass rush.